Hello! I am excited to share with you today a brand that I have discovered to be a great fit for petites. Sézane is a French brand that I had heard of but I had never made a purchase. I decided to pull the trigger on a few items. I was initially lured in by a cardigan and found my way to a couple skirts, a sweater dress, a pair of heels, a pair of clog sandals and a button up shirt. Today I am wearing one of the skirts and the cardigan that caught my eye. I will share with you the other items I ordered and my thoughts on those as well. Introducing Sézane!
Tips for How to shop International Brands
Kelly shares an outfit and her ordering experience with Sézane
Plus, her Sézane purchases and how they fit
Today’s outfit and board are shoppable via text widgets
When looking at international brands, it’s important to dig in on the details of the sizing. I pay attention to the measurements of sleeves and overall length. Also, know your chest and natural waist measurements.
Most international brands don’t have petite sizing. Consequently, I think we tend to overlook them. Many brands that ship to North America offer measurements in inches now, so it’s less of a hassle to convert centimeters.
Typically, a Euro size 2 is a US size zero. Using this as a starting point, you can consider each US size equates to the next size up in European numeric sizing – generally.
Once you get familiar with the size conversions, it’s really easy to shop international brands. Many brands also offer free international returns, so that’s easy too – very low risk.
Sézane is a certified B Corp; founded by women. With a focus on slow fashion, Sézane offers sustainable, approachable, French fashion at an accessible price point.
Similar to J.Crew in terms of classic style, Sézane has a bit more romance and femininity in their silhouettes and prints. The current season prints feature abstract pastels, bold florals, and classic stripes. Don’t miss the menu tab called “Archives.” This tab features limited sizes, but great discounts on gorgeous goods.
Ordering from Sézane was a breeze; my items arrived within only a few days, with free shipping on orders over $200. The items were packed very well and the packaging had that luxury feel of opening a present. Included were little extras like a catalog, a printed paper gift bag and a return shipping sticker, should I need it – I did not!
Sézane prices are comparable to J.Crew. And while I am usually really happy with J.Crew’s overall quality, I will say Sézane takes quality up a notch. You may see this reflected in some of the pricing. But overall, Sézane feels more like luxury but at an accessible price point.
Everything I ordered is regular sizing, yet it fits great for petites! The Alison Skirt fits me like a mini skirt, hitting at mid-thigh, rather than just above my knee. Remember, I am 5 feet tall, 105 pounds. The skirt is US Size 2, French Size 34.
The Betty Cardigan is a perfect fit; its length hits right at my hip (it’s sold as “cropped”); the sleeves hit right at my wrists. Shoulders and chest are perfect. The cardigan is US and French Size XS. The Betty Cardigan comes in a wide array of colors, perfect for any season.
I can’t yet report on pants sizing. But I imagine I’d have to get them hemmed. Which I wouldn’t mind really, because the quality is there and it’s worth considering these pieces as investments. And as is typical, the cropped regular sizing usually hits at ankle length.
Their classic style shirt, the Pierro Shirt fits well, it’s not fitted, it’s breezy and comfortable. The cuffs do hit my wrists a little lower than I like, but under a sweater this is not an issue. Or in warmer weather I typically roll my sleeves a little for a more casual look. I ordered this shirt in US Size 2, French Size 34.
Belted Sweater Dresses like the Enola Dress are great because you can shorten the length by pulling the bodice up and creating a blouson effect over the belt. Conversely, you can keep it longer by wearing it more straight. I ordered this dress in US and French Size XS.
The sizing on the shoes is spot on. Both the closed heel and the clog sandal fit perfectly in my normal size, US 5 or French Size 35.
I found a Sézane review by a curvy fashion blogger that some of you might find helpful in terms of the larger sizing. She says it’s pretty darn accurate. Check out her post: Sézane Review: A Curvy Girl’s Honest Take On This Cult Favorite Brand.
Well, I am so happy I pulled the trigger on Sézane! I feel like I have opened up a whole new world of options for myself and for other petites looking for variety!
Yesterday, Beth shared an updated 2023 edition of her Makeup Tutorial for Mature Women. Click the title or image below to read the article.
is our 40s+ fashion & food contributor. She posts a Daily Look on Tuesdays, writes about Fashion on Thursdays, joins Beth for Fridays with Oscar and shares a new recipe Sunday evenings.
She’s 47, 5’0, and a petite 0/XS.
Kelly also has a food blog called Djalali Cooks, which you can find by clicking the world icon below.
Dear Kelly: I love love love this brand on you girl! So wonderful!!!! Thank you
Thanks so much, Jane! It’s very inspiring to discover a new brand – especially one that is so much fun to wear! Thanks for stopping by today! xo Kelly
Kelly, you look amazing! Love the outfit on you.
Thanks so much, Pam! xo Kelly
Thank you , Kelly for doing this post on Sezane. I’ve been familiar with their clothes for awhile, though have yet to buy any. I’m petite at 5’3” and have considered their jeans. This post is so helpful with your sizing information. The outfit your modeling looks amazing on you!
Thanks so much, Nancy! While I can’t vouch for the jeans yet, I will say the denim skirt I purchased is quality denim and the fit is great. Definitely get those jeans you’ve had your eye on, I bet you won’t be sorry! xo Kelly
I discovered this brand in 2020 during pandemic lockdown, and did a lot of ordering. I have at least 8 beautiful and colorful sweaters and many blouses and shirts. The signature Gaspard cardigan runs large, and I have 3. Order a size smaller in this style. I love the sweaters and have had so many compliments on them. I am 5 feet tall and larger than you and always wear petite in US sizes. Somehow, this brand fits well. I have not yet bought pants.
Hi Marsha, great info on the Gaspard cardigan, thank you for sharing your insights. Also, so happy you’re a fan of Sézane! Thank you again for stopping by and leaving a comment with your tips! xo Kelly
Kelly, you are rockin this brand! You actually look like a stylish French lady! I have heard of this brand but will definitely check it out!
Thanks so much, Robbie! I am happy to share my experience with Sézane! Definitely check them out, I am sure you won’t be disappointed. xo Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for the great post about Sezane. Your posts are always so thoroughly informative. I also enjoyed your link to Whimsy Soul, the lifestyle website; especially regarding KJP sweaters. So much fun seeing these clothing companies highlighted.
Thank you, Connie! I was super excited to find Whimsy Soul’s review on Sézane for larger sizes. It’s not so easy to find good, thorough information on sizing outside of my own experience when it comes to specific brands. I am really happy you found her review helpful. Thanks so much for stopping by! xo Kelly
You and Beth always look so great! You look so pretty and wonderful ! This outfit is so gorgeous on you! Thank you for all you do! I love your style and all of your meals I’ve made so far are terrific! Thank you!
Thank you so very much, Lisa; you are very kind! I am so happy you have made some of my recipes! Thanks again for stopping by, xo Kelly